Lalit Mahajan, the President of the Bari Brahmana Industries Association, has raised serious concerns over the current industrial landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the neglect faced by existing industries and the lack of involvement of key stakeholders in the decision-making process. Speaking candidly on the subject, Mahajan referred to the package provided to the people of the region in 2021, acknowledging its significance but also pointing out certain key areas of concern that need to be addressed for the betterment of the industrial sector.
In his address, Mahajan expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the package granted in 2021, noting that when compared to other states, it was a unique and generous gesture. “If we look at it from a national perspective, the package given to our people in 2021 was not given to any other state. I would like to extend my thanks to PM Modi and Amit Shah for this initiative,” Mahajan said. However, despite this acknowledgment, he voiced strong concerns regarding the welfare of the existing industries in the region.
“The current industrial units, which employ approximately 3-4 lakh people, have been left largely ignored in the process of policy formulation. While new industries are being encouraged to establish themselves in the region, the existing industries are at risk of being pushed aside,” Mahajan pointed out. He further stressed that the lack of involvement of key stakeholders in the decision-making process could lead to the eventual destruction of these established industries. This, he argued, would not only affect the economy but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers dependent on these industries.
Reflecting on the past, Mahajan drew a comparison with the policies of the Vajpayee government in 2002, which he believes had a more inclusive approach toward industrial development. “During the Vajpayee government in 2002, benefits were provided to industrial companies in a manner that took into account the concerns and inputs of stakeholders,” Mahajan recalled. “At that time, the stakeholders were involved in policy formulation, which ensured that the needs of the existing industries were also met.”
The current lack of consultation, Mahajan believes, has resulted in a situation where new industries are being set up without considering the impact on the established ones. As a result, these new industries could inadvertently overshadow the existing ones, leading to their eventual downfall. “The stakeholders in the UT administration have never been taken into confidence, which has led to this disconnect between policy decisions and the needs of the existing industrial units,” he stated.
In conclusion, Mahajan urged the government and relevant authorities to reconsider their approach towards industrial development in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of taking into account the perspectives of all stakeholders, including those running established industries, to ensure a balanced and sustainable industrial growth in the region. Without such a comprehensive approach, he warned, the existing industries and the thousands of employees they support could face an uncertain future.
